I recently had my 89 RS camaro stolen, they broke open the casing around the blinker / tilt wheel control to get at the ignition slider.

I'm looking at replacing the steering column, as they managed to destroy everything of use in that area (high beams, etc)

I'm running into a few problems while contacting salvage yards.. they are saying that the '89 is a specific year for the steering column, and that their computers are showing that the earlier and later models will not work. I've got some leads on an '87 and '88 steering column, and i'm wondering if it will still fit.

The car is not VATS, as there is no chip on my current key.. so that is not a concern (although when I bought the car origionally it had a chipped key, but I put a regular ignition cylinder in the car and it still worked, so I assume the VATS was disabled perhaps?)

But anyway, is it just a salvage computer glitch.. or can I use an older models steering column in my car. I appreciate any help

 

yes 89 was a specific year for steering columns because it was the only year with VATS and w/out SRS. If your VATS has been disabled, than any column 82 to 89 will work. Your best option is to get a column from a car optioned the same as yours (tilt, cruise, intermittent wipers, whatever) so it is just a direct bolt in.

 

Great answer, the one I am looking for. Now I have another question for you? I removed my sloppy steering column yesterday and am awaiting my new (used) one, the wheels were not parallel to the vehicle after removal This is probably a stupid ? but would you suggest I jack up the front end and straighten the wheels before I install the new column? How do I know if the column is straight also, and hints or tips on installation would be greatly appreciated

 

just put the column in and then slip the coupler on but dont put the bolt in, turn the wheels straight then look at the sterring wheel, if you need to slip the coupler off turn the wheel and slip it back on.

or you could jack up the car slightly, just to take the weight off, and push the wheels straight first.

Dont be surprised if the wheel isn't perfectly centered. You may need to have the car aligned for that to happen.

oh yeah when you put the column in, put it in then push it up to the dash frame and thread the nuts onto the studs there, just a few threads, let that support the weight while you hook the baseplate up, then lower it again to hook up all the electricals. It's a good idea if you need to, to install the ignition and dimmer switch assemblies, before putting in the car.

 

I am not sure when the connector on the columns changed, but here is a picture of an 88 and a 91 when I swapped out mine a few weeks ago,


I cut the connector off of the old 88 and then re-pinned the 91 wires into it, one wire at a time. Colors were all the same, just in different locations.

 

thats funny, my 87 has the black connector, and I think my 85 does too (not sure, havent been under the dash on it in years). the 89 column i just installed in the 87 had the same harness connections.

Maybe its a camaro vs firebird thing?

 

My 89 also has the black connector.